The Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall, on the campus of Buffalo State College, proudly announces the 2010-2011 Great Performers Series, presented by M&T Bank.

The Great Performers Series features world-class artists in the intimate setting of Rockwell Hall. The series includes performances by smooth jazz trumpeter Rick Braun; witty comedian Steven Wright; folk music legend Arlo Guthrie; captivating jazz singer Esperanza Spalding; comedian Josh Blue; guitar hero Al Di Meola; saxophonist Boney James; and a capella singers Rockapella.

Tickets for the Great Performers series go on sale Monday, August 30, at 9:00 a.m. Continuing to be one of the best entertainment values in the area, the Performing Arts Center has priced all shows in the Great Performers Series between $30 and $40. With the Flex Pack, patrons can purchase any three or more Great Performers shows for as low as $27 each. Tickets may be purchased at the Rockwell Hall Box Office, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, by calling (716) 878-3005, or online at www.buffalostate.edu/pac. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The series begins with on Friday, October 22, with the leading smooth jazz trumpeter of his era, Rick Braun. No jazz trumpeter today has got a sweeter sound or more engaging musical sensibility. His new CD All It Takes debuted at # 4 on the Billboard Top Jazz Album chart. Most of the songs on All It Takes find Braun artfully combining flugelhorn with muted trumpet while adding Euro, neo-classical, cinematic elements and a touch of disco flash to create one sensational new disc that is best enjoyed live in concert.

On Friday, November 5, The Performing Arts Center welcomes comedian Steven Wright. An enigma wrapped in a paradox inside a conundrum - with a few yuks thrown in. That's Steven Wright, the deadpan jokester whose comedy is "observational" in the sense that it's the observations of one really weird dude. "All those who believe in psychokinesis - raise my hand," "If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?" and "OK, so what's the speed of dark?" are among the punch lines that no other comic is likely to steal.

Arlo Guthrie a true folk music legend returns to Rockwell Hall on Tuesday, November 9.  Arlo Guthrie is a legendary artist who shares timeless stories and unforgettable classic songs as he carries on the Guthrie Family legacy. With his singular voice, as both a singer-songwriter and social commentator, he has maintained a dedicated fan base that spans the globe. Join us for an inspirational evening of stories and songs, including special guest The Burns Sisters.

The Performing Arts Center is pleased to present Esperanza Spalding, on Saturday, December 11.  The captivating singer and bassist, is one of the most exciting artists on the jazz scene. Effortlessly dexterous on the bass and able to deliver a captivating vocal in three languages-English, Spanish, and Portuguese- Esperanza's new album features a modern chamber music group that combines the spontaneity and intrigue of improvisation with sweet and angular string trio arrangements. The result is a sound that weaves the innovative elements of jazz, folk and world music into the enduring foundations of classical music.

Josh Blue exploded onto the national comedy scene by capturing the attention and endearment of the country as the winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing. He has gained a national fanbase by using wry wit and an often sarcastic sense of humor that enables himself and audiences alike to laugh at the disability he lives with. Blue jokes, "I realize that people are going to stare so I want to give them something to stare at." Update: December 27, 2010: This event has been canceled. Refunds are available at the Rockwell Hall box office.

The Performing Arts Center is thrilled to welcome Al Di Meola for a performance with his New World Sinfonia on Saturday, March 26, 2011. A bona fide guitar hero, perennial poll-winner and virtuoso of the highest order, Di Meola's dazzling acoustic and electric guitar technique has afforded him regal status among the hordes of fans that regularly flock to his concerts. He has been known throughout the world for the past three decades as one of the most prominent virtuosos in the contemporary instrumental jazz field.

Making his saxophone sing like a human voice—that's Boney James. Soulful and gifted saxman performs in Rockwell Hall on Friday, April 15.  The three million-selling saxophonist and songwriter is one of today's most respected instrumental artists and performers. He's earned a string of 12 hit records and his latest album is a sublime collection of seductive love songs that has sat on the Billboard "Top Contemporary Jazz Album" chart since its release.  Billboard also ranked him the #1 "Hot Smooth Jazz Artist", the #2 "Top Contemporary Jazz Artist" and the #3 "Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Decade."

"Some say the best musical instrument of all is the human voice - if you've seen Rockapella you know that's the truth" says USA Today. Every element of their sound is unique - four world-class voices and one freak of nature. Rockapella returns to Rockwell Hall with a new member, a new CD, but the same great a cappella sound on Friday, May 6.

The 2010-2011 Great Performers Series is sponsored by M&T Bank and WBFO.